South Boston in Halifax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Retreat to the Dan
February 1781
You are looking toward a site of American Patriot General Nathanael Greene’s strategic “Retreat to the Dan” which occurred on February 14, 1781. This retreat foiled British General Cornwallis’s southern strategy and was a turning point in the American victory.
The Crossing of the Dan took place at Boyd’s Ferry and Irvine’s Ferry. Boyd’s Ferry is just past the railroad trestle. The site of Irvine’s Ferry is four miles upstream.
General Cornwallis commanded an army of seasoned British soldiers in pursuit of General Greene’s smaller force. Cornwallis hoped to overtake the American army in North Carolina, thus setting the stage for the capture of Virginia and a certain victory for England.
Realizing they were unprepared to face the British, the American army traveled from Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina (now Greensboro) for four days to reach the Dan River. Greene, who had been George Washington’s quartermaster, was aware of the necessity of recruits, supplies, and a surprise maneuver to outwit the enemy.
To the rear of the slower foot soldiers, Greene assigned a Light Troop cavalry under Col. Otha Williams and Lt. Col. Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee (father of General Robert E. Lee). This Light Troop led the British cavalry on a series of false leads. This cavalry chase gave the Americans time to get their slowest units to the crossing site ahead of the British. These units would be safe from British attack once they crossed to the north side of the river.
Boats were at the ferry landings. These boats and their crews were called into service by Col. Edward Carrington, General Greene’s quartermaster. All of the Americans made a safe crossing of the icy, rain-swollen Dan River before the British could catch up. On February 14, 1781, Lighthorse Harry Lee and Edward Carrington were in the last boat to cross to the north side of the river. The stranded British could find no vessels of any kind. Any effort to swim or ford the river would have been met with Patriot resistance. General Cornwallis had been tricked. He had been led far away from his lines of support and communication. His army turned away from the Dan and marched back to North Carolina.
The results of the retreat to the Dan were dramatic. Greene more than doubled his troops in a few weeks. Seeing the enemy on their own property caused many people to join the Patriot army. Also, Greene found much needed supplies in Halifax County. In March, Greene led his increased forces in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. He inflicted heavy losses on the Redcoats of Lord Cornwallis although the British claimed victory by holding the field.
Cornwallis withdrew to Wilmington, NC, for supplies
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 4, 2021
The Retreat to the Dan is often overlooked for more dramatic and bloody battlefields. The citizens of Halifax County are proud that their ancestors had a part in a turning point in the war which was accomplished with strategy rather than bloodshed.
Given in honor of Mr. Carroll Headspeth
Erected 1999 by The Berryman Green Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 14, 1781.
Location. 36° 41.764′ N, 78° 53.975′ W. Marker is in South Boston, Virginia, in Halifax County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Wren Street and Broad Street (Business U.S. 501). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Boston VA 24592, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Campaign of 1781 (here, next to this marker); Crossing of the Dan (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); DAR Memorial Cannon (about 600 feet away); Refuge and Recovery in Halifax County (approx. ¼ mile away); From Here to Victory at Yorktown (approx. 0.3 miles away); Crossing of the Dan Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Race to the Dan (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Crossing of the Dan River (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Boston.
More about this marker. On the right is a map by K.R. Haynes Jr. entitled "The Race to the Dan - February 1781" overlaid with text boxes:
Quote from Lord Cornwallis: “Greene is as dangerous as Washington. I never feel secure when encamped in his neighborhood.
Lighthorse Harry Lee in his memoirs records, “The people of Halifax County received us with affection of brothers mingled with the admiration of the brave devotion to country just exhibited…” The army also enjoyed “wholesome and abundant supplies of food in the rich and friendly County of Halifax.
George Washington wrote Greene, “You may be assured that your retreat before Lord Cornwallis is highly applauded by all ranks, and it reflects much honor on your military abilities.
Also see . . .
1. The Crossing of the Dan. Halifax County Historical Society (Submitted on May 20, 2010.)
2. DAR's Retreat to the Dan Dedication. GazetteVirginian.com (Submitted on May 20, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,774 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 20, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 20, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.